New records of guano-associated minerals from caves in northwestern Borneo

A groundbreaking study of ancient bat guano deposits in Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northwestern Borneo, has uncovered rare phosphate minerals, including variscite and fluorapatite. These findings expand the known mineralogical diversity associated with cave environments, particularly those influenced by bat guano. The research employed advanced analytical techniques to identify these minerals, revealing nano-particulate silica and niter alongside the more common phosphate compounds. This discovery not only contributes to our understanding of cave mineralization processes but also highlights the unique geological and ecological significance of Gunung Mulu National Park.

McFarlane, D., Lundberg, J.,. (2018). New records of guano-associated minerals from caves in northwestern Borneo. International Journal of Speleology, 47(2), 119–126. https://doi.org/10.5038/1827-806x.47.2.2169